"The key task of the forum is a search for solutions on import substitution and development of industrial production," All-Russia People’s Front representative said

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. Import substitution, "new industrialization" and boosting the role of small and midsized businesses in industry will be the key topics of a conference of the All-Russia People’s Front (ONF) due to open in Moscow on Monday.

The forum, organized by the ONF jointly with Business Russia, Russia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other organizations will involve over 700 people.

"The key task of the forum is a search for solutions on import substitution and development of industrial production," ONF central staff co-chairman Alexander Brechalov told TASS.

ONF is a coalition of public and political organizations established in May 2011 at the suggestion of then-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

A system of import substitution had to be introduced in Russia in connection with imposition of Western sanctions on Russia for developments in Ukraine and Moscow’s countersanctions.

Russia has constantly dismissed allegations that Moscow could in any way be involved in destabilization in Ukraine.

In his address to the Federal Assembly, Russia's parliament, on December 4, 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the import substitution policy is among the country’s long-term priorities.